The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Imagery-based Relaxation on the Mental Health and Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Women with a First Unwanted Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: The present study aims to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation intervention with imagery-based relaxation technique on the mental health and maternal-fetal attachment in women with a first unwanted pregnancy. Methods: From all the pregnant women referred to the clinics of Semnan city, 60 individuals were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. The mothers of the experimental group received the corresponding intervention, while the control group was only provided with normal care. Before and after the intervention, the general health and maternal-fetal attachment questionnaires were filled by the individuals. Results: The results of the multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that a relaxation intervention period can significantly improve the mental health and maternal-fetal attachment as well. Conclusion: According to the present results, it can be concluded that the current intervention can be used as a low-cost and non-pharmacological method to improve the psychological issues and arrive at a higher maternal-fetal attachment during the pregnancy. Keywords: Relaxation, Mental health, Attachment, Pregnancy.